Reduce power consumption

We use energy from fossil fuels for almost everything we do; heating and lighting our homes, cooking and powering our cars. Domestic energy accounts for 27% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and transport accounts for 26.5%.

An average house produces 6 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. The burning of fossil fuel energy is largely to blame for global warming and the climate changes which are increasingly apparent.

Taking steps to reduce harm to our environment does not mean we have to lead monk like existences but we urgently need to adapt and moderate our behaviour. Why not take some simple steps to cut energy consumption and save money at the same time; the following suggestions may help.

• Wear warmer clothes and turn down the heating slightly
• Turn off the heating when you go out and turn the heating off at night
• Fit thermostatic valves to radiators. Reassess your use of hot water and make sure your thermostat is working properly.

It is estimated that 50% of heat can be lost through the roof space and walls; make sure your home is well insulated. The Centre for Alternative Energy can advise on different types of insulating material and where you can buy them. Visit www.cat.org.uk or phone 01654 702 400.

Why not give your home an energy efficiency makeover. Contact the National Energy Efficiency Foundation for advice on 0800 512 012 or visit www.greenenergy.org.uk . The Energy Savings Trust can be reached on 0845 727 7200

Do you need to drive as much as you do? Why not walk, cycle or use public transport? Turn domestic appliances off instead of leaving on standby. Educate your children about how they too can help.

Recycle your waste

Each year in the UK we produce 170 million tonnes of waste. At least 80% of our waste is recyclable but 90% of our refuse goes to incinerators and landfill sites, which are increasingly expensive. These emit CO2 and methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, and produce a toxic leachate that seeps into groundwater.

A significant amount of our refuse is paper. Each year the UK uses over 13 million tonnes of paper half of which is imported. Every year 350 million trees are cut down for office paper and 100 million trees are used for junk mail. So-called sustainable forests are replacing ancient woodland, which once supported wildlife.

What you can do to save paper:

• Make message pads from scrap paper.

• Start a recycling scheme at work or school if you do not already have one.

• Use mugs at work instead of paper cups

• Avoid purchasing products with unnecessary packaging.

• Buy toilet rolls made from recycled paper.

• Use both sides of your printer paper whenever possible

• Stop unwanted junk mail by writing to: The Mail Preference Service, Freepost 22, London W1E 7EZ.

Brockham is fortunate in having a doorstep collection service; make use of it. However, the green basket takes only newspapers, magazines and aluminium and steel cans. Cardboard, office paper, catalogues, envelopes and junk mail can be taken to the bin behind Dorking Sports Centre/Halls.

For more information on recycling in Mole Valley ring 01306 879190